Westbury Library – Saved?

Following a presentation to Bristol City Council’s Neighbourhood Scrutiny Commission on Friday 17 July, it would appear that Westbury Library will now be spared closure. However, the final decision will be made by Mayor Fergusson at September’s Cabinet Meeting.

The full Press Release, issued after the Scrutiny Commission’s Meeting, can be seen here: Press Release

This about-turn, especially for Westbury Library, can be attributed to the “Save Westbury Library Campaign Group” that came together in late March and pursued a vigorous campaign to keep “their” library open.

The campaign included the distribution of leaflets to spread greater awareness and encourage as many residents as possible to respond to the Council’s badly-worded second stage consultation feedback form. The campaign leaflet was funded by the Westbury-on-Trym Society and distributed by volunteers across both Westbury and Stoke Bishop Wards.

This was a remarkable effort, not only by the Action Group but also everyone who helped – such as the BS9 and The Voice magazines for regular supportive coverage and to Mark at Coffee#1 for his support and wonderful window display.

By the close of the second stage consultation, at the end of June, in excess of 1600 consultation feedback returns had been submitted to the Council in support of keeping Westbury library open – that represents a third of the total returns (4652) received from across the whole of Bristol.